FIRST MASKER

I know not, sir!

[_ARTHUR returns._]

ARTHUR

Robin, they say the King is dead! So John Is king now, is he not?

ROBIN

Ay, John is king!

Now, tell me quickly, use your eyes, my boy, Where's Lady Marian?

ARTHUR

Ah, there she is at last, Alone!

ROBIN

Go to her quickly, and bring her hither.

[_ARTHUR runs off and returns with_ MARIAN.]

MARIAN

Robin, thank G.o.d, you have returned. I feared--

ROBIN

No more, dear heart, you must away to Sherwood!

Shadow-of-a-Leaf is waiting by the orchard With your white palfrey. Away, or the new king Will hunt us down. I'll try to gain you time.

Go--quickly!

MARIAN

Robin, your face is white, you are wounded!

What's this--there's blood upon your doublet!

Robin!

ROBIN

Nothing! Go, quickly!

MARIAN

Robin, I cannot leave you.

ROBIN

Go, Marian. If you ever loved me, go.

MARIAN

You'll follow?

ROBIN

Oh, with my last breath I will, G.o.d helping me; but I must gain you time!

Quickly! Here comes the King!

MARIAN

Oh, follow soon!

[_Exit._]

[_ROBIN sits down again, steadying himself against the pillar.

JOHN appears at the doors of the palace, above the terrace, a scroll in his hand._]

JOHN

My friends, the King is dead!

MASKERS

[_Taking off their masks, with a cry._]

Long live King John!

JOHN

[_Coming down amongst them._]

Our masque is ended by this grievous news; But where's my Lady Marian? I had some word To speak with her! Not here! Why--

ROBIN

[_Still masked, rises and confronts the King, who stares at him and shrinks back a little._]

All the masks Are off, sire! No, perhaps they wear them still.

JOHN

Who is this?